which of the following structures prevents food from entering the windpipe

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. Which of the following structures prevents food from entering the windpipe?

A. Pharynx
B. Esophagus
C. Larynx
D. Epiglottis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the windpipe by covering the trachea during swallowing. When food is swallowed, the epiglottis folds over the opening of the trachea to ensure that food goes down the esophagus and not into the airway. The pharynx is a shared pathway for both food and air, leading to the esophagus and larynx respectively. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The larynx is responsible for producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing, but the epiglottis is specifically designed to prevent food from entering the windpipe.

2. Through what tubes does urine travel from the kidneys to the bladder?

A. Urethra
B. Ureters
C. Renal arteries
D. Renal veins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ureters.' The ureters are the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The urethra, not a choice in this question, is the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body. Renal arteries and veins are blood vessels that respectively supply and drain the kidneys, not involved in the transport of urine to the bladder.

3. What is the purpose of sodium bicarbonate when released into the lumen of the small intestine?

A. It works to chemically digest fats in the chyme.
B. It decreases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.
C. It works to chemically digest proteins in the chyme.
D. It increases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sodium bicarbonate, when released into the lumen of the small intestine, functions to increase the pH of the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. This increase in pH helps neutralize the acidity of the chyme, creating a more optimal environment for the digestive enzymes in the small intestine to function properly. Maintaining a slightly basic pH in the small intestine is crucial for overall digestion and absorption of nutrients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Sodium bicarbonate does not chemically digest fats or proteins in the chyme, and it does not decrease the pH of the chyme as it actually increases the pH to prevent harm to the intestine.

4. What is the primary function of the large intestine?

A. To digest food
B. To absorb water and form feces
C. To absorb proteins
D. To regulate blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water from digested food and form feces for elimination. It does not primarily digest food, absorb proteins, or regulate blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect because the large intestine does not digest food but rather absorbs nutrients and water. Choice C is incorrect as the absorption of proteins primarily occurs in the small intestine. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of blood pressure is not a primary function of the large intestine.

5. What is a lysosome?

A. A sac-like structure that contains enzymes that break down cellular components
B. A network of tubules that transport proteins and lipids throughout the cell
C. The site of protein synthesis
D. The site of cellular respiration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A lysosome is a membrane-bound organelle found in animal cells that contains digestive enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down various cellular components, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and even foreign particles like bacteria. This breakdown process is crucial for maintaining cell health and function by recycling and disposing of cellular waste. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because lysosomes are not involved in transporting proteins and lipids throughout the cell (option B), protein synthesis (option C), or cellular respiration (option D). Lysosomes primarily function as the cell's 'recycling center' by breaking down and processing cellular materials.